Referendum postal ballots arriving in Moray

BALLOT papers for postal voters in Moray will be arriving on doormats over the next few days, ahead of the Scottish Independence Referendum being held three weeks today.

The first issue of 13,515 postal votes are being dispatched today (Thursday) to postal voters who registered before and up to August 15.

A further issue of an estimated 800 postal votes is expected on September 8, for people who registered to vote by post between August 16 ad the deadline of September 3.

Counting officer for Moray, Mark Palmer, is advising postal voters to make sure they read and follow the instructions carefully before completing and returning their ballot paper.

"Don’t forget to include your date of birth and signature on the postal voting statement," he said.

"This statement is kept separate from your ballot paper when the postal votes are processed so your vote is always secret. Follow the instructions in the pack to make sure your vote counts."

Mr Palmer also advised voters to ensure they return their ballot papers promptly.

Postal ballot papers must be received by the counting officer by 10pm on referendum day, September 18, at the latest.

There is still time to register to vote for the referendum, and to apply for a postal vote. Anyone interested should contact the Elgin electoral registration office on 01343 541203 or visit www.votemoray.orgfor more information.